Why Technology? Allows for the instant accessibility of information. Allows for interconnectedness between schools and students across the world. Helps students develop critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration and communication skills. Provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of concepts in specific subject areas. Increases motivation. Encourages maximum participation. Allows students to take initiative and responsibility in their learning. Broadens the ways that teachers can differentiate instruction. May assist students with special needs so that they can learn effectively. Allows for both students and teachers to organize their work and share it presentably.What Technology? Use technology that is easy to use and does not require an extensive amount of procedures or instruction. Use technology that is constructivist. These types of open-ended applications will allow for each student to create a unique product. Avoid drill and kill software. These types of programs increase boredom and limit the opportunity for students to expand their knowledge. © Try and find programs that are free. There are numerous free resources online that allow for technology to be implemented into the classroom effectively. SOME EXAMPLES OF TECHNOLOGY INCLUDE: Computers/laptops - Smart Board/projector - Ipads Recording devices for podcasts Music players + Clickers Assistive technologyStudent and Teacher Programs ORGANIZE & SHARE INFORMATION - Prezi http://prezi.com, Prezi Prezi is an alternate form of PowerPoint that allows students to present their ideas in a creative and unique organization. - Glogster http://edu.glogster.com, Glogster EDU Pattee ae tg Glogster allows you to create your own online poster and insert many ideas and images. Bubbl https://bubbl.us/ Swebot.uws Bubb! allows you to connect ideas in a logical web that can be personalized.Student and Teacher Programs LOCATE & LEARN INFORMATION - Learn Alberta http://www.learnalberta.ca, Learn Alberta allows students and teachers to locate resources that enhance the subject material, such as games and interactive activities. - 2Learn http://www.2learn.ca, 2 Learn, like Learn Alberta, offers resources to students and teacher that enhance the subject material.Teacher Programs EXTRA RESOURCES - PowerTeacher http://www.pearsonschoolsystems.com/products/powerteacher, 5 PowerTeacher PowerTeacher allows teachers to manage class and student information, including their grades, comments, progress. - Tech.News from Alberta Education TECH] News Tech.News is an online newsletter that is sent many times throughout the year to inform teachers about current technologies and programs. http://webquest.ors WebQuest allows teachers to share lessons, ideas and worksheets in multiple subject areas.